17-year Cicadas: 2013

Billions upon billions of periodical cicadas make a historical appearance this spring. "Brood II" is the species of 17-year cicadas scheduled to appear in this geographic region.

The cicada's curiously long life cycle still confounds scientists. Most theorize that the 13-year and 17-year growing up stage is a defense against predators. Although just about every animal (including humans) feasts on cicadas, their sheer numbers ensure their survival.

Brood II is one of twenty broods of periodical cicadas that live in eastern North America. Brood II cicadas can be found along the east coast from North Carolina all the way up to Connecticut. The last time Brood II appeared was 1996. Its next emergence will be 2030.